Tanisha Shah delves into the mind-itching world of chemistry and the recent study citing the presence of metals in tampons
Who hasn’t seen the viral TikToks about a recent study that found the presence of heavy metals and toxic chemicals in tampons?
A recent study by UC Berkeley researchers, titled “Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s” has sparked significant social outrage. This outrage stems not only from the presence of heavy metals in period products but also from the lack of transparency about it. Ironically, many people are angered by the lack of widespread public outcry, and rightfully so. How often does news about the potential presence of metals in healthcare products not cause mass panic?
Consider the social reaction to the potential adverse effects of the Covid-19 vaccine. Despite the rarity of these effects, such as anaphylaxis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), and Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), they caused massive uproar and opposition to the vaccine mandate. Governments and manufacturers responded swiftly to these concerns, especially in the case of the J&J vaccine, which was later made unavailable in the United States. This swift action contrasts sharply with the muted response to the findings about heavy metals in tampons.
Feeling pretty pissed, I decided to do a little research of my own and went online to look at the studies; what were the results and what do they mean for people who menstruate and their health? However, as a non-medical, non-chemistry-understanding person, I lost my mind trying to make sense of it all. This article is my way of processing the situation since it has become our responsibility to educate ourselves on such issues.
One of the most popular questions people are asking is: What do these findings mean for women’s health, and how much harm can they cause?
Here’s a little background:
According to the Absorbent Hygiene Product Manufacturers Association (AHPMA), an average woman menstruates for about 37.5 years, from approximately 12.5 years of age to 50, uses approximately 22 sanitary items per cycle, which adds up to 11,000 in a lifetime.
The potential absorption of chemicals into the bloodstream from products like tampons, which come in direct contact with the vaginal tissue, poses significant health risks. Furthermore, the Berkeley study underscores the lack of investigation into vaginal exposure to metals and the potential harm caused by the presence of such toxic chemicals in tampons. It emphasizes the need for further research to determine whether these toxins can leach from tampons, transfer through the skin, and enter systemic circulation.
[PS: Do not be alarmed by the chemical names. Pseudoscience has often misled us into thinking that all chemical combinations are unnatural and therefore harmful. That is not true.]
The study tested the concentration of the following sixteen metals in 24 unique brand products, including Arsenic (As), Barium (Ba), Calcium (Ca), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Mercury (Hg), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), Selenium (Se), Strontium (Sr), Vanadium (V) and Zinc (Zn). For a detailed report on the methods and findings, I recommend reviewing the study itself. However, the presence of lead was notable, as no level of lead exposure is safe. Lead, a natural metal found in our environment, including water and soil, is subject to strict regulations around water and soil testing. It can be stored in bones, replacing calcium and is retained in the body for decades. Lead exposure, even at very low levels, is associated with numerous adverse neurological, renal, cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, reproductive and developmental issues.
Ultimately, the purpose of this study is not to scare you into thinking that big companies are poisoning you but to drive research in a highly under-researched area of women’s health. The study concludes that further research should be conducted to replicate their findings, determine whether metals can leach out of tampons and cross the vaginal epithelium into the body’s systemic circulation, and establish regulations to rigorously test for the presence of metals such as lead in these products. As for us begrudging consumers, we can use available databases online with caution, considering the potential risks based on our usage (don’t take them at face value). Ask for transparency, stricter regulations, more research and less BS.
ENDNOTES
Shearston, Jenni A., et al. “Tampons as a Source of Exposure to Metal(Loid)S.” Environment International, vol. 190, Aug. 2024, p. 108849, doi:10.1016/j.envint.2024.108849. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024004355
Selected Adverse Events Reported After COVID-19 Vaccination. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html.
AHPMA. “Menstruation Facts and Figures — AHPMA.” AHPMA. www.ahpma.co.uk/menstruation_facts_and_figures.
“About Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention.” Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention. www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/about/index.html.
Shearston, Jenni A., et al. “Tampons as a Source of Exposure to Metal(Loid)S.” Environment International, vol. 190, Aug. 2024, p. 108849, doi:10.1016/j.envint.2024.108849. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024004355
Sheikh, Knvul. “Many Personal Care Products Contain Harmful Chemicals. Here’s What to Do About It.” The New YorkTimes, 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/02/15/well/live/personal-care-products-chemicals.html.
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